Babu Owino released on bail

By Robert Mutasi

Babu Owino, the representative for Embakasi East, was granted release on Friday, July 21, after posting a bail of Ksh100,000 or alternatively a bond of Ksh200,000.

He was facing charges related to plotting subversive activities during the Azimio protest.

The Chief Magistrate of Milimani, Lukas Onyina, in his judgement, dismissed the prosecution's assertion that the defendant could potentially disrupt the witnesses.

Onyina stated that there was no clear evidence to suggest which defendant would specifically interfere with which witness.

"On the part of the prosecution, there's no substantial justification for withholding bail," he proclaimed.

Calvin Okoth, also known as Gaucho, the leader of Bunge la Wananchi, and five others were also discharged on bail along with Owino.

The prosecutors had hoped to keep the seven individuals in custody for an extended period while the police proceeded with their investigation into the charges against them.

The magistrate mentioned that the accused were looking at charges that could lead to a seven-year prison sentence if convicted.

Owino was apprehended on Tuesday, July 19, at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) upon his return from a parliamentary committee meeting in Nakuru.

He was subsequently transported to the Wang'uru Police Station, where he remained until his court appearance on Thursday, July 20.

Owino is among a group of Azimio la Umoja leaders who were taken into custody during escalated opposition demonstrations.

Other detained individuals include Mathare MP Antony Oluoch, ex-Mungiki leader Maina Njenga, and Maurice Ogeta, who serves as Raila Odinga's bodyguard.

Azimio's three-day demonstration has entered the third day as planned by their leader Raila Odinga.

Azimio party leaders had condemned the act of police arresting the Azimio allied leaders and their supporters saying it is the denial of freedom of expression and right to peaceful demonstrations and picketing as outlined in the Constitution.

Short time after released on bail,Owino has reportedly re-arrested by police with undisclosed reasons.